Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Forklift Operator Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a forklift’s load backrest?

a) To increase lifting speed

b) To support the mast

c) To prevent the load from falling backward onto the operator

d) To improve visibility

Rationale: The load backrest prevents materials from falling back

toward the operator, enhancing safety.

• Which type of forklift is best suited for narrow aisle operations?

a) Counterbalanced forklift

b) Reach truck 1 / 4

c) Pallet jack

d) Rough terrain forklift

Rationale: Reach trucks are designed for narrow aisles and can

extend their forks to reach loads.

• What is the first action an operator should take before starting a

forklift?

a) Move it to the loading area

b) Perform a pre-operation inspection

c) Raise the forks

d) Start the engine immediately

Rationale: A pre-operation inspection ensures the forklift is safe to

operate and identifies defects.

• What does the forklift’s load capacity plate indicate?

a) The weight of the forklift

b) The fuel type

c) The maximum load the forklift can safely lift

d) Engine size

Rationale: The load capacity plate shows the maximum weight the

forklift can lift safely at a specified load center.

• Which of the following is a safe way to drive a forklift on a ramp?

a) Drive sideways

b) Raise the load as high as possible

c) Drive forward going up and backward going down the ramp 2 / 4

d) Speed up to maintain momentum

Rationale: Driving forward uphill and backward downhill ensures

stability and prevents tipping.

• What is the primary hazard of overloading a forklift?

a) Increased speed

b) Reduced fuel efficiency

c) Tip-over or loss of control

d) Engine overheating

Rationale: Overloading shifts the center of gravity, increasing the risk

of tipping.

• Which forklift attachment allows for handling cylindrical objects like

drums?

a) Side shifter

b) Drum clamp

c) Fork extension

d) Carton clamp

Rationale: Drum clamps are designed specifically for safely handling

round or cylindrical loads.

• How should a forklift operator handle a blind corner?

a) Speed through quickly

b) Slow down and sound the horn

c) Stop only if there’s traffic

d) Turn sharply to clear the corner 3 / 4

Rationale: Slowing down and sounding the horn warns others and

reduces collision risk.

• Which of the following surfaces is safest for forklift operation?

a) Uneven gravel

b) Sloped dirt

c) Flat, firm concrete

d) Wet grass

Rationale: Flat, firm surfaces reduce the risk of tipping or losing

traction.

10. When carrying a load, the forks should be:

a) Fully extended vertically

b) Tilted backward slightly and kept low

c) Tilted forward slightly

d) Tilted backward slightly and raised just above ground level

Rationale: Tilting backward stabilizes the load, and keeping it low

maintains a low center of gravity.

• What is the safest way to turn a forklift while carrying a load?

a) Turn at high speed

b) Slow down and turn gradually

c) Tilt the mast forward

d) Raise the load before turning

Rationale: Turning slowly with a low load prevents tipping.

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